GNOME 3.12 Open-Source Linux Desktop Gets Bevy of New Features

GNOME 3.12 Open-Source Linux Desktop Gets Bevy of New Features

GNOME Software Gets Rated

The Software application now makes it easier for users to find and rate applications.

Logs Get a New User Interface

Logs are an important part of any operating system, and with GNOME 3.12, the new Logs application collects applications, system, security and hardware logs in a single location.

Channels Come to GNOME Videos

The Videos application has been improved in GNOME 3.12 with a new video window and channels interface.

GNOME Web Improves Browser Technology

While GNOME users can always choose to install any number of different Web browsers, the Web application is the default choice. In GNOME 3.12, Web has been improved with better performance and a new browser tab interface.

The gedit Text Editor Goes Minimal

The default text editor in GNOME is gedit, and it got an overhaul in GNOME 3.12, providing users with a minimalist interface.

GNOME Photos Gains Search Improvements

Terminal Goes Dark

Among the most frequently used applications on any Linux desktop is the Terminal application. The new version of GNOME Terminal gives users new interface options, including the ability to have a dark background.

Boxes Expands GNOME Virtualization Options

The new GNOME 3.12 version of the Boxes virtualization application has wider support to run multiple operating system types.

When the open-source GNOME desktop project was updated to release 3.12 on March 26, it provided a milestone feature update for users. The last release, GNOME 3.10, debuted on Sept. 25, 2013, and provided users with such new features as the Software application that has now been enhanced in GNOME 3.12. GNOME's Software is the tool that enables users to find and install new applications via a GUI. In GNOME 3.12, Software now provides users with screenshots as well as feedback ratings. The update to Software isn't the only enhancement in GNOME 3.12. The new release also comes with a number of new GNOME applications, including the Sound Recorder and Logs applications. Logs provides users with a simple user interface to examine system and application logs in one location. Meanwhile, while GNOME users have the choice of multiple text editors, the default is gedit, and it too gets a significant overhaul in GNOME 3.12. The default Videos application also gets a boost, with an improved interface and enhanced streaming capabilities. Incremental enhancements can be found in existing applications such as the Boxes virtualization tool and even the Terminal application as well. In this slide show, eWEEK takes a look at the changes in open-source GNOME 3.12 desktop.